Spring and shock absorber structure



Feb. 1, 1966 E. F. KLEINSCHMIDT ETAL 3,232,596

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER STRUCTURE Original Filed July 24, 1959 2Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS EDWARD I. KLE/NscHM/DT Hun/m; A. ANDERSON (/0asp F OHM/Lama BY M, @MWM ATTORNEYS Feb. 1, 1966 E. F. KLEINSCHMIDT ETAL3,232,595

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER STRUCTURE Original Filed July 24, 1959 2Sheets-Sheet 2 w M TT 4 3 N0 3 0 3! W K W VI W WMW N 3% w W 5 \I.N I, H1\P INN a 1 M W 1 .l I y JJxUJI/AJMVFQ 0 3 I v F J H N R H AD mus E fl WATTORNEYS United States Patent SPRING AND SHGCK ABSGRBER STRUCTUREEdward F. Kleinschmidt, Fort Lauderdale, Fla, and

Hilding A. Anderson, Lake Zurich, and Joseph F. Chinlun-d, Northhroolr,111., assignors to SCM Corporation,

New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Original application July 24,1959, Ser. No. 829,446, now

Patent No. 3,150,235, dated Sept. 22, 1964. Divided and this applicationNov. 22, 1963, Ser. No. 325,705

7 Claims. (Cl. 267-4) This application is a division of co-pendingUnited States application Serial No. 829,446, filed July 24, 1959 andnow Patent No. 3,150,235. This invention pertains to shock absorbers formechanisms related to telegraph apparatus such as receivingprinter-reperforator combinations capable of recording visualrepresentations of corresponding characters at any speeds up to at least4500 operations per minute.

Although there are presently known many high speed printers as well ashigh speed reperforators, there are no printer-reperforations performingboth functions at speeds higher than 600 operations per minute (368.1operations per minute being the normal speed for telegraph apparatus).The primary purpose behind the development of the present invention wasto provide a printer-reperforator apparatus that would punch a codedmessage on a tape, print this same identical message on one edge of thetape, and to accomplish both of these functions at the exceptionallyhigh speed of 4500 operations per minute (this is 75 operations persecond) and still retain reliability of operation over extended periodsof time. It was desired to develop and construct such a high speedtyping reperforator as a production model for use in fixed plant andmilitary installations. In accomplishing this development, it wasdetermined that selection and operation of the printing and perforatingfunctions would be mechanical under the control of an electronic signalreceiver and controller.

To realize the extremely high speed mechanical operations, themechanical printer-reperforator structure utilizes the transfer ofenergy between the structural components by elastic impact and reactionforces in each of the high speed motion transmitting mechanisms. Theinitial impetus is provided from rigid code rod elements mounted inrotating wheels, the force of which is transferred to operating elementswhich perform mechanical functions of printing-reperforating and tapefeeding. Because of the extremely rapid selection and repositioning ofthe code rod elements, this invention deviates from the normal practiceof using a selected number of code elements having permutated notches orsome other form of mechanical signal representation, each of which codeelements corresponds to one of the signal impulse combinations of theBaudot code combination signal group. In this invention each of theBaudot codes is represented by an independent rigid code rod element andtherefore we have thirty-two (32) of such rod elements. The code rodelements are selected by elastic impact plungers controlled byelectro-magnets which receive signals from the electronic receiverselector and controlling unit. Elastic impact transfer of operationalforces is correlated and coordinated with suitable shock absorbing meansconstructed in accord with this invention to prevent any vibratory orreaction bounce of the structural operating elements. In other words,once an element has undergone its mechanical function cycle, it mustimmediately stop its movement and be ready for a next operation.

The primary object of this invention resides in a novel highly effectiveelement rebound steel ball type shock absorber assembly. In conjunctionwith this object, a

ice

further object resides in providing a plurality of shock absorber unitsin a compact block assembly.

Further novel features and other objects of this invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, discussion and theappended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsshowing a preferred structure and embodiment, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective partially sectioned view of the punching,printing and tape feeding components of a printer-reperforator utilizingthe present invention and shown somewhat schematically for clarity;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic front view of the tape punch components withretracting bail and shock absorber block shown in section;

FIGURE 3 is a section view through the shock absorber bl-ock assemblyseen in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the shock absorber assembly block;

FIGURE 5 is a right-hand side elevation of the shock absorber assemblyblock of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged and sectioned detail View of one of theindividual shock absorber units located in the shock absorber block ofFIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged sectioned detail view of a modified shockabsorber unit in which the steel balls are arranged in a differentmanner from that shown in FIG- URE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a section taken on line FIGURE 7.

The complete exemplary printer-reperforator is disclosed in theaforementioned parent application to which reference may be had, ifdeemed necessary. FIGURE 1 illustrates a skeleton arrangement ofmechanical printing and punching components to provide a generalunderstanding of the utilization of the shock absorber devices.

The basic principle of operation for the mechanical punching, printingand feed functions of the reperforator 5i) resides in rotation ofthirty-two (32) code rods past a reference point (or points having acommon time base). Each rod has the mark element or elements of itsrepresentative character machined in as interference flanges. Tofacilitate the high speed aspect, the thirtytwo (32) code rods areseparated and placed in two code wheels and there are sixteen (16) coderods per wheel. Within each code wheel the sixteen (16) rods arearranged in two groups, eight (8) code rods protruding from each 8-8through end of each code wheel. Four code rod selector magnets actuallycontrol latches for spring 'biased selector plungers, one for each groupof eight (8) code rods. Each selector plunger is reciprocable in a pathparallel with the code rods and aligns with each code rod as the coderods are rotated past the plunger locations.

Each function (print, five-code punch assembly, feed hole punch, punchretraction and tape feed control) has mechanisms enabling operation bycode rods in both of the two code wheels. A type wheel rotates above theprint hammer, and the two code Wheels and the type wheel rotate at 3750rpm.

Whenever an electronic controller, through a received code signalcombination, actuates one of the selector magnets MM, MS, SS, SM, theassociated selector plunger latch arm will be attracted by the magnet,releasing the plunger which moves to an interference condition with thedesired code rod. The pop-out plunger hammer moves into the path of theselected rotating rod just before it arrives at its reference orselection point. This causes an impact between the pop-out plungerhammer head and the code rod head experiencing an elastic impact betweenthe two elements with the result that both will be driven 0 away fromeach other. The pop-out plunger moves back plunger ready for its nextrelease. The impacted code rod will be driven into the wheel, a distanceof 0.05 inch, and will be secured by an associated latch located withinthe code wheel. In this latched position, the code rod interferenceflanges engage intermediate transfer arms to operate associated functionmechanisms including print hammer, code punches, code punch retractorsand feed release pawl. As the rotating wheel carries the code rod onaround its path, an internal cam pulls the code rod latch away from thecode rod and a second cam shifts the code rod slightly out of the codewheel into a non-interference, normal position ready for another impactpositioning operation. The cycle of afo-re-described functions of a coderod require one revolution of the code wheel.

Tape feed is realized through a sprocket feed wheel which is kept undercontinuous rotational bias from a motor driven pulley wheel operatingthrough a friction clutch, and a torsion spring drive rod. The tape feedsprocket wheel itself is retained against rotation by a feed releasepawl and whenever an operation occurs, the feed release pawl is removedpermitting the type wheel feed sprocket to rotate under torsion springbias. The movement of the feed release pawl is timed to occur in lesstime than that required by the sprocket feed ratchet wheel to move onetooth (one space of the tape). Therefore the feed release pawl is alwaysback in a position to engage the next tape feed sprocket ratchet toothbefore the tape has been fed past its next position. An ink ribbon iscarried on two spools (not shown) and can be power driven in eitherdirection through a reversing clutch mechanism.

Drive power for the code wheels, the type wheel, the coincidenceselector, the tape sprocket feed and ink ribbon 'feed is derived from aninduction type motor.

The aforementioned portion of this description provides a briefexplanation of the mechanical operation of printer-reperfcrator 50 and amore detailed description of the structure follows. The mechanicalcomponents are assembled on a base casting 242, a portion of which formsan oil reservoir 248. Two studs, only one being shown in FIGURE 3,project vertically in a front to rear aligned relationship and arefirmly secured in the base of casting 242 to provide mounting supportfor a shock absorber block 580 and the punch assembly 610.

The aforedescribed oil reservoir 248 is located under the punch shockabsorber block 580 and retains oil used in lubricating the code selectorwheels. To accomplish this lubrication, two oil wicks 268 extendupwardly from the reservoir 248, diverge and pass under the positionswhich will be occupied by the code selector wheels. Oil wicks 268 arebiased by leaf springs against the periphery of the associated codewheel and under each code wheel wick is located an oil drip plate 270.The lower ends of these two drip plates 279 are above the top of oilreservoir 243. I

Viewing the dual code wheel assembly from the front of the machine, asshown in FIGURE 1, the right-hand code wheel 282 will be rotatingcounterclockwise. The left-hand code wheel 284 rotates at the same speedbut in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow. To accomplishthis opposite rotation, a helical toothed gear (not shown) is secured onthe right-hand code wheel shaft 292 behind the support rear wall 246 andthe left-hand code wheel shaft has secured thereto a second helicaltoothed gear in meshed engagement with the helical gear on shaft 2292..Both code wheels must rotate in unison, at the same speed and inopposite directions.

In accord with the principle of operation of this machine, type wheel286 must also rotate at the same rotational speed as code wheels 232 and284. Type wheel 236 is secured for rotation to a shaft 310 which extendsto the rear and has secured thereto a helical gear, having the samediameter and the same number of teeth as the helical gears on code rodWheels 282 and 284. Drive a power is transferred from one of the codewheel helical gears through an idler gear to the type wheel shaft gear.

The motor through a shaft 329 and a friction clutch, provides arotational drive biasing force to the tape feed sprocket 324. Actually,shaft 326 is a music wire torsion spring as is described and claimed inthe parent application.

Code wheels 282 and 284, their shafts, mounting components and gearassemblies are similar in detail, diifering only in the shapes of theindividual code rods and in that the right-hand code wheel shaft 292 isthe longer shaft, as has been previously described. The schematicrepresentations shown in FIGURES l and 2 show the structural correlationbetween the two code wheels, intermediate impact transfer arms and thepunches, print hammer, tape feed mechanism and punch retractors.

The body of each code wheel is a cylindrical block 394 through whichpins can be driven into matching diametrical bores in the code wheelshafts to non-rotatably secure the cylindrical code wheel blocks to thedrive shafts. Adjacent the peripheral portion of cylindrical block 394are sixteen (16) axial through bores spaced at 22.5 equiangularpositions. These axial bores constitute code rod receptacles orcarriers. Around the cylindrical surface of the code wheel block 394 andformed circular, radially directed annular, combing grooves 404, 405,4%, 407, 438, 4&9, 410, 411 and 412. For purposes of correlation in thefunctioning of this apparatus, the first groove 404 (rear groove) willbe termed the tape feed groove; the second groove 495 is the code punchretractor groove; grooves 496-411 are punch grooves, 198 being the feedpunch groove; and groove 412 is the print hammer groove. Alternate coderod bores 402 receive code rods inserted from opposite ends of the codewheel block to form two groups of eight (8) code rods, each of whichrods will be located 45 apart.

The code rods are made of surface hardened steel. Each code rod includesa beveled impact head 442, a narrow positioning limit flange spacedslightly behind head 442, a front guide and interference land and a rearguide land. Between the front and rear guide lands are located variousoperating flanges and lands.

Seen in FIGURE 1, a series of impact transfer lever arms ride in themanner of a comb in each of the grooves 464-412 of both of the rotatingcode wheel blocks 394 and the transfer levers correspond to the variousfunctions noted for the series of grooves 4tl4412. If a code rod hasbeen positioned to an operative position Within the code block, anyportion of that code rod which shifts into an interference position inan associated groove 404412 will impact the lever which rides in thatgroove and cause the lever to transfer the impact power to someassociated mechanism such as the code punches and the print hammer. Ifany specific lever must remain idle during the transfer of the codesymbol represented by the selected code rod 440, then that portion ofthe code rod 449 which would normally move into interference with acombing groove, in which the lever not to be actuated is disposed, mustbe eliminated. This is accomplished by removing desired ones of theinterference flanges or a portion of the lands on a specific code rod.The code rods and code wheels are completely described in the aforenotedparent application. I

The code rod selector plunger latch and magnet release mechanism areonly generally disclosed in FIGURE 1. All four (4) of the plungers,latches and magnets are essentially identical. The printer frameprovides the mounting support for the magnets, latches and code rodselector plungers. Three (3) of the plungers are shown in the schematicrepresentation of FIGURE 1, as markspace plunger 520, mark-mark plunger521 and spacemar plunger 522. Each plunger 520 is made of cold rolledsteel, heat-treated and phosphate-coated before a hardened steel ball526 is secured in its end socket and in direct alignment with thecircular path through which the code wheel rotates all of code rods44%). The opposite end 532 of plunger 520 acts as a recoil abutmentsurface, and closely adjacent the recoil abutment end is an annularlatch receiving recess. Magnet operated latches 548 coperate with theplunger recesses to hold and selectively release a plunger. It is seenthat the two code wheels are arranged with their axes parallel and inside-by-side relationship. Between the circumferential portions of thetwo code wheels 282 and 234 is disposed a block shaped shock absorberassembly 580. Disposed slightly above the shock absorber block 580 is adual assembly of intermediate transfer arms, the duplicate components ofwhich provide identical combing and interference coaction with both ofthe code wheels 282 and 284.

Turning now to FIGURE 3, there will be seen the transfer members, themeans by which mechanical transfer of the code representations from anyselected code rod 440 in either code wheel 282 or 284, to the variousmechanisms such as punches, feed release mechanism, punch retractors andprint hammer is accomplished.

It will be recalled that two vertical parallel studs are disposed in thecode wheel support casting. One of these two studs 266 is shown inFIGURE 3 and the two studs provide support for the block shaped shockabsorber assembly 580 which includes front and rear vertical bores 581and 582 (FIGURES 4 and enabling the shock absorber assembly 580 to beslipped down over the two studs. Shock absorber block assembly 580 ismaintained in elevation by set screws 583 which rigidly secure block 580on the two mounting studs midway between the two code wheels 282 and284. The shock absorbing functions and details of shock absorber 580will be described in relation to functional operation of the apparatus.The two studs, see 266 (FIGURE 3) project a considerable distancevertically above the shock absorber block 580. The purpose of suchprojection is to enable the stud to also provide a means for mountingthe punch block assembly.

FIGURES 2 and 3 illustrate the relative arrangement of the dual groupsof intermediate transfer levers. Each group of levers is pivotallydisposed on a respective horizontal shaft 584 or 586. The left-handshaft 584 carries intermediate transfer levers which cooperate with thelefthand code wheel 284, whereas the right-hand shaft 536 carries leverswhich cooperate with the right-hand code wheel 282. The two shafts 584and 586 are spaced on either side of the shock absorber block 589 andextend over portions of their associated code wheels in fore and aftrelationship with the shaft axes parallel to the code wheel axes. Thetwo shafts 584 and 586 have their front and rear ends spigoted inappropriate bores in the printer frame structure, being maintained inrigidly secured disposition by set screws. I

Reading backwards, i.e., from rear to front, the intermediate transferlevers are designated by reference characters 598 (tape feed release),591 (punch retractor), 592 and 593 (numbers 1 and 2 code punches), 594(feed hole punch), 595, 596 and 597 (numbers 3, 4 and 5 code punches),and 598 (print hammers). These intermediate transfer levers haveduplicate counterparts on both of shafts 584 and 586. All of theintermediate transfer levers 590-598 include downwardly depending arms,some of which vary in shape, which ride in the corresponding combinggrooves of the associated code wheels 284 and 282, such grooves beingidentified for the appropriate functions in the preceding description.The transfer levers 590 and 592-598 each have laterally extending armsprojected over the shock absorber block 580, the arms of oppositeidentical intermediate transfer levers being slightly spaced apart abovethe shock absorber block 580. The shock absorber assembly 580 includes aplurality of shock absorber units, one of which is disposed under andengaged by the adjacent ends of the aforenoted intermediate transferarms 590 and 592-598. The left-hand transfer arm shaft also serves topivotally mount a tape feed release pawl 600 which cooperates with bothof the tape feed release intermediate transfer levers 520.

In FIGURE 1, it will be seen that the punches 616-621 and a plunger 660for operating the print hammer (648, 654) are disposed immediately abovethe ends of the horizontal arms of the intermediate transfer levers 592-558 in a punch block assembly 610 (see FIGURE 2) which includes thepunch retractor and print hammer.

Punch block assembly 611 is mounted with upper portions of front andrear studs 264 and 266 extending through punch block bores, and issecured in position by set screws. Carried in the punch block basemember 612 for vertical reciprocatory movement are six (6) tape punches616, 617, 618, 619, 620 and 621. Punch 618 is the feed hole punchwhereas punches 616, 617 and 619- 621 are the five (5) code holepunches. The punches are provided with heavy shank portions extending toan intermediate point on the punches and guided through bores in anintermediate wall 622 of the punch block base 612. The punches havelight compression coil springs disposed above the intermediate wall 622and the punch stripper plate 626 in which the cutting ends of allpunches are disposed. Coil springs 624 abut the underside of stripperplate 626 and have their other ends disposed on small washers resting onthe shoulders at the upper ends of the heavy shank portions just abovethe intermediate wall 622. These coil springs are not retraction springsbut merely create a bias force to maintain the punches in a retractedposition whenever they are not being selected and reciprocated. Thelower ends of all punches are provided with laterally flanged heads 629.

Secured to the punch block base 612 above stripper plate 626 is a hollowdie block 630, the lower wall of which includes the di holes alignedimmediately above the punch guide holes in stripper plate 626.

Pivotally secured on the front vertical wall of the punch block basebelow stripper plate 626 is a printer hammer arm 648 which is made ofnylon. Print hammer arm 648 extends horizontally under the die stripperplate 626 and, at its free end, carries a hammer head 654 which can beseen in FIGURE 1. A coil spring secured at its other end of the printhammer arm 648 biases the print hammer arm to its retracted position.

Longitudinally aligned with and in front of the tape punches 616-621 isa vertically disposed print hammer operating plunger 666. The lower endhead 662 of hammer plunger 66% is disposed at the same level as theheads 629 of punches 616-621, whereas the upper end of hammer plunger66% is disposed in vertical alignment with and under the print hammerarm 648.

Extending between and rotatably journalled in the die block base frontand rear walls are two punch retractor operating shafts 672 (see FIGURE2) one disposed to the left and one disposed to the right of the punchesand hammer plunger. Secured to the lower side of each of shafts 672 byrivets are punch retracting bails which extend horizontally to aposition adjacent the shanks of punch-es 616-621 and print hammerplunger 660 and overlying the flanged heads 529 and 662 of all punchesand the print hammer plunger. The front edge of each bail is formed witha forwardly extending ear constituting an anchor for a coil spring theother end of the spring being anchored to an associated spring post. Thetwo coil springs bias the retract bails against the lower punch blockwall 628 whenever punch retraction is not occurring. A cylindrical steelsleeve 682 is non-rotatably secured to the rearwardly projected end ofeach of shafts 672. A short portion of each sleeve 682 is provided withan actuating notch 634 shown in FIGURE 2. When the punch block assembly610 is secured in position on the two mounting studs 264 and 266, thenotches 684 in sleeve 682 of the retracting shafts 672 will cooperatewith portions of the associated intermediate transfer retract levers 5%.

Whenever a selected code rod 440 is driven into the wheel 232 or 284 byone of the code rod selector plungers 52tl-523 appropriate interferenceflanges on the code rod 44%) move into the interference position incombing grooves 4%4-412 in which the intermediate transfer levers areriding. Any selected code rod 440 excepting the Space" and Figures coderod has an interference flange which shifts into the comb groove withinwhich the print hammer intermediate transfer lever 598 is riding. Hence,for every code rod selection excepting the Space and Figures selection,an interference flange on the code rod rotates into engagement with thedepending arm 688 of the hammer transfer lever 598. Similarly, if thecode combination represented by the selected code rod 44 includes markimpulse representations which are represented by flanges moved into thecombing grooves 466, 407, 419 and 411, these interference flanges willengage the depending arms 688 of the code punch intermediate transferlevers 592, 593, 595, 596 and 597. Every one of the thirty-two (32) coderods includes an interference flange which, when the code rod isselected, shifts into combing groove 4% enabling the interference flangeto engage the feed hole punch intermediate transfer lever 594.

As the code wheel 24 continues to rotate clockwise, the selected coderod print hammer and punch interference flanges will engage thedepending arms 688 of the selected code punch transfer levers, the feedpunch transfer lever, and the print hammer transfer lever, imparting inessence a camming action against the engaged intermediate transferlevers causing them to rotate counterclockwise. Note: if the code rodwhich is selected were on the righthand wheel 282, the code rods wouldbe rotating in a counterclockwise path and would engage the associatedtransfer levers to shift them in a clockwise pivotal movement.

The camming force of the interference flanges of the selected code rodagainst the intermediate transfer levers is transferred through thehorizontal arms 6% of the transfer levers to the underside of the heads629 and 662 of the selected punches 616-621 and the print hammmerplunger 660, driving such selected punches and the print hammer plungerin an upward direction. The selected punches 616-621 drive through andpunch the paper tape 2 66 while the print hammer plunger 650 (Figures 65and 66) impacts the underside of the nylon print hammer arm 648 causingan elastic impact reaction forcing the print hammer arm 648 up intoabutment against the underside of the die stripper plate 626. The head654 of the print hammer is made as a loose fitting aluminum plungerinserted in a bore in the end of the hammer arm 648. When the hammer arm648 engages a solid stop, the underside of die stripper plate 626, thelight weight aluminum plunger 654 over-travels approximately .015 inchpressing the paper tape 206 and an ink ribbon against the face of therotating type wheel 236. As has been previously described, the typewheel is in accurate, direct, rotational register with the code wheelsthrough appropriate gearing, and therefore the correct character will bein position above the front edge of tape 206 and above the hammer headwhen the print hammer arm 648 is actuated.

As the code rod 440 rotates ten (10) degrees beyond punch and printactuation position, a retractor interference flange in groove 495strikes a cam rise on the retractor bail intermediate transfer arm 591(all code rods have an interference flange for the retractor bailintermediate transfer arm). Camming action by such interference flangeson the retractor intermediate transfer arm 591 causes rotation of theretractor bail 674 creating a bias tending to pull the six (6) punches616-621 and the print hammer plunger 66% to retract position. Thisretraction force occurs just before the punch actuation flanges passtheir interference levers and retraction thus immediately follows thepunch actuation. The long lower end 713 of the retractor transfer leverarms 591 serves to momentarily hold the bail and the punches and hammerplunger in retracted position. Even so, the punches and the print hammerplunger, as a result of this rapid retraction action, strike theirassociated intermediate transfer arms. To completely prevent any reboundmovement and assure positioning of the members for a subsequentoperation, the energies from these moving masses are absorbed in theshock absorber assembly 58!).

Turning to FIGURES 3-8, the shock absorber assembly 586 containsindividual shock absorber units 715 for each of the intermediatetransfer arms excepting the retracting transfer arms 591. Each shockabsorber unit 715 is identical and, accordingly, details of only one(FIGURE 6) will be described.

Block 580 includes a series of vertical bores 716, constitutingenclosure cylinders for each shock absorber unit 715. Located at thebottom end of each bore 716 is a small metal plunger 713 which rests ontop of a spring finger 720. There is one of these spring fingers 720under each of the shock absorber unit bores 716 and all spring fingers720 are integral with a spring plate 721 (FIGURE 2), which is secured byrivets'722 to an auxiliary plate 724 secured on one side of the shockabsorber block 580 by screws 726 and 727. The upper edge of plate 724has a horizontal flange 728 which extends a slight amount over thealigned bores 716 to be disposed freely in a wide notch 73% providedunder the heads of each shock absorber unit top plunger 692, thuspermitting a slight amount of vertical play for each top plunger 692 yetalso retaining the plungers in the shock absorber assembly 589.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 6, between the upper and lowerplungers 692 and 718, a group of steel balls 732 and 733 are looselypacked into the bores 716. The diameter of the larger balls 732 isslightly greater than one half the diameter of bore 716, thus causingthe group of balls 732 to engage each other and the side wall of bore716 in point-to-point contact. Yet the balls '1' 32 cannot wedge betweeneach other and the wall surface 716. The smaller balls 733 are of such adiameter as to contact the surfaces of upper and lower larger balls 732.Whenever the punches and the print hammer plunger are retracted andstrike the intermediate transfer arms, which in turn strike the heads ofupper plungers 692, the resulting knietic energy will be completelydissipated through the numerous point-to-point. engagements'betweenballs and side walls of bore 716 causing the punches and the printhammer plunger to be immediately settled down with no rebound and readyfor another operation. The spring fingers 720 serve to impart a smallflexing action to the pile of balls assuring that they remain looseafter an energy absorbing function.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate a different manner of stacking the steelballs in the bore 716a of the shock absorber block 580a. In thisembodiment, which is preferred, the ball stack consists of a layer ofthree (3) large balls 732a alternated with a layer consisting of onesmall ball 733a. The three (3) large balls are of identical size,fitting slightly loose in a horizontal plane within bore 716a and thesmaller ball 733a nests in the center of and between the layers of three(3) balls. Variations in diameter of the balls in both embodiments willvary the amount of impact which can be absorbed.

Inasmuch as sequential code rod selection, under certain characterselection sequences, can occur up to times per second, it will berealized that no rebound of any punch or print hammer plunger can betolerated. Hence, the need for these highly effective shock absorberunits.

As the code rod 440 travels another 5", an interference flange strikesthe depending arm 764 of the sprocket feed release intermediate transferarm 5% (all code rods have an interference flange for the sprocket feedrelease intermediate transfer arm). 7 The cam'ming impact forcetransferred to feed release intermediate transfer arm 590 is im- 9mediately transferred to the sprocket feed pawl 690 (FIG- URE 45) whichreleases the pawl end 762 from a sprocket ratchet to permit tape feedmovement. When the feed release pawl 600 is removed from engagement witha tooth of a ratchet wheel connected to the feed sprocket, it must beback in position to engage the next tooth of the tape feed ratchet wheelbefore the tape has completed movement in its next stop position. Thepawl 600 is pulled back into place by a restoring spring. Actuatingenergy imparted to pawl 94 and its intermediate transfer lever 590 bythe code rod impacts is dissipated by a shock absorbing plunger (notshown). Rebound movement of pawl 600 and the intermediate transfer arm590 is absorbed by one of the energy absorbing plungers 692 and they arethereby settled down ready for the next operation.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. For use in combination with a telegraphic recording device in whichthe recording means (such as punches, print hammer) are actuated by animpact caused by a rotating actuation element, upon hitting one or moretransfer levers, a shock absorber device including a body and shockabsorber means associated with indivi dual ones of the transfer levers,said shock absorber means comprising an elongate chamber disposed insaid body, a spring loaded plunger provided at one end of said chamber,a number of different diameter steel balls disposed within said chamberon top of said plunger, the diameters of said balls being dimensioned soas to prevent wedging action between the balls and the inner wall ofsaid chamber and permitting a plurality of contact points between eachball and adjacent balls and the inner Wall of said chamber, and animpact plunger slidably fitted in the other end of said chamber on topof said stack of steel balls and including an impact head adapted to beengaged by the associated transfer lever in its retract movement.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein means providing the springloading for said spring loaded plunger includes a spring finger securedon the lower side of said body and engaging the projected end of saidspring loaded plunger.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein individual shock absorbermeans are provided for each of said transfer levers and are disposedwithin said body in which a plurality of said chambers are formed by acorresponding number of parallel bores.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein two sizes of steel balls areutilized, said balls being alternately arranged in groups within saidchamber, one of said groups comprising three large balls lyingsubstantially in one plane and having a diametral dimension less thanonehalf the diameter of the chamber, Whereas the second group consistsof a smaller single ball resting centrally of said three large balls.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein two sizes of steel balls areutilized, the diameter of the larger of said balls being slightlygreater than one-half the diameter of the chamber and the diameter ofthe smaller of said balls being less than one-half the diameter of thechamber, and said large and small balls being alternated along thechamber.

6. A shock absorber device for use in high speed printer-repertoratormechanisms comprising: a base member; a bore in said base member; aplunger having a portion projected into one end of said bore; resilientmeans engaging said plunger; a series of steel balls disposed Withinsaid bore adjacent the end of said portion of said plunger, the sizes ofsaid balls preventing wedging action between balls and the walls of saidbore and permitting plural points of contacts between each ball andadjacent balls and the wall of said bore; and an impact plunger slidablyfitted in the other end of said bore adjacent the other side of saidseries of steel balls and having an impact head at said other end ofsaid bore.

7. A shock absorber device with multiple individual shock absorbingunits for use with associated movable mechanical components in highspeed printer-reperforator mechanisms comprising: a base member; aplurality of parallel through bores in said base member; a plungerdisposed in the end of each of said bores; a spring finger engaging aprojected end of each of said plungers; a series of steel balls disposedWithin each of said bores with an end of said series of balls engagingan end of said plunger in the associated bore, the sizes of said ballspreventing wedging action between balls and the walls of said bore andpermitting several points of contacts between each ball and adjacentballs and the Wall of said bore; and an impact plunger slidably fittedin the other end of each of said bores engaging the other end of saidseries of steel balls in the associated bore and each impact plungerincluding an impact head disposed exterior of and adjacent said otherend of its associated bore.

No references cited.

MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

6. A SHOCK ABSORBER DEVICE FOR USE IN HIGH SPEED PRINTER-REPERFORATORMECHANISMS COMPRISING: A BASE MEMBER; A BORE IN SAID BASE MEMBER; APLUNGER HAVING A PORTION PROJECTED INTO ONE END OF SAID BORE; RESILIENTMEANS ENGAGING SAID PLUNGER; A SERIES OF STEEL BALLS DISPOSED WITHINSAID BORE ADJACENT THE END OF SAID PORTION OF SAID PLUNGER, THE SIZES OFSAID BALLS PREVENTING WEDGING ACTION BETWEEN BALLS AND THE WALLS OF SAIDBORE AND PERMITTING